Story perspectives

Netanyahu Ignored Warnings Qatar Funded Hamas’s Military Wing

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 2:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored intelligence warnings that Qatari money financed Hamas’s military wing.
Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman warned Netanyahu in 2019 about Qatari funds to Hamas.
IDF Military Intelligence Directorate repeated the warning in 2020, citing the same funding route.
Analysts said the “Panther’s Eye” channel moved $100-$several hundred million, funding 40-50% of Hamas’s brigade budget.

History

Historical Context

In 1981 the Reagan administration began covertly selling arms to Iran despite a congressional embargo, then used the proceeds to fund Nicaraguan Contra rebels after the Boland Amendments barred direct aid. National Security Council aide Oliver North directed the scheme, diverting about $15 million, and the operation was exposed in November 1986, prompting a constitutional clash over executive power.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored intelligence warnings that Qatari money financed Hamas’s military wing.
Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman warned Netanyahu in 2019 about Qatari funds to Hamas.
IDF Military Intelligence Directorate repeated the warning in 2020, citing the same funding route.
Analysts said the “Panther’s Eye” channel moved $100-$several hundred million, funding 40-50% of Hamas’s brigade budget.

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